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During summer 2009 The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University will host a 9-week program for 8 academically talented and motivated undergraduates through funding by the National Science Foundation to actively participate in research in major areas of coastal ocean/atmospheric processes. SoMAS is a multidisciplinary research institute specializing in interdisciplinary approaches to the study immediate regional problems, as well as long-term problems relating to the global oceans and atmosphere. Our theme for this summer will be: The Impact of Storm Events on Coastal Environments in a Changing Climate.
Students will be assigned a faculty mentor and have research opportunities on topics including, fisheries-climatic factors influencing physiology and population structure; the influence of extreme events on marine phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms; microbiological tracers of water quality related to storms; beach erosion and storm surges, sedimentary historical evidence of major storms ; integrity of barrier islands, inlet development, and flushing of coastal embayments; ocean/atmosphere interactions: extreme weather/rainfall events in coastal meteorology, mesoscale numerical modeling and forecasting, aerosol production, and aerosols/ice nucleation/cloud production.
Our goal is to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in gathering data, and of interdisciplinary scientific research, for understanding real-world problems. Projects may be based on and involve field studies, laboratory experiments, acquisition and interpretation of both surface and satellite radiometric data, numerical modeling.
The program will run from 1 June to 31 July and provides ‘hands-on’ experience in the field with small boats and sampling gear and in the laboratory with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and techniques. Students interested in atmospheric sciences have a network of PC/Unix/Linux/Mac computers available for research projects. A comprehensive system (developed by UNIDATA) for ingesting, displaying and processing real-time data in the form of worldwide surface and upper air observations, numerical weather prediction model output, facsimile maps, satellite imagery, US and local Doppler radars, and lightning data is also available. Students present results in a final symposium. Mentors and students meet weekly to discuss research progress and make subsequent plans. Other activities include lectures on relevant topics, guest speakers, and field trips. Bounded by Long Island Sound to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, our location at the eastern end of Long Island provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities including swimming and boating, hiking, biking, and kayaking/canoeing. Our proximity to New York City also allows field trips to sporting events and many cultural activities.
Financial support includes a stipend of $450/wk, travel expenses, accommodations in air-conditioned dormitories with cooking facilities, and a meal allowance of $60/week. Infirmary and student activity fees are covered and allow complete access to health, library and athletic facilities on campus. Please note: We will assist you with travel arrangements. Living arrangements allow opportunities to interact socially with other undergraduates involved in research programs on campus.
To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduates with at least a 3.0 GPA in their major, U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference will be given to undergraduates who have completed at least two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree. Please note: If you have already participated in an OCE-funded REU site you are NOT ELIGIBLE for a second internship except under unusual circumstances. Questions can be addressed to program coordinator Josephine Aller at jyaller@notes.cc.sunysb.edu (631 632-8655).
Applications are due by February 17, 2009; decisions by March 15. All students who are offered a position at this REU Site have until March 15th or later to accept or reject the offer. Any student who is asked to accept or reject an offer prior to March 15th should contact the Division of Ocean Science's REU Program Director, Lisa Rom at elrom@NSF.gov or 703-292-7709. Students with disabilities requiring special consideration will be required to notify and consult with the program director in advance of acceptance into the program. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate persons with physical disabilities that would restrict their participation in fieldwork. SBU is an EEO/AA Educator & Employer.
To apply, applicants must
- complete application form which includes a short essay describing their scientific interests, educational plans, and expectations of the summer research experience;
- provide official transcripts and list of courses in progress; and
- two letters of recommendation.
Forms may be downloaded from the SoMAS web site (REU Application Form), or by contacting Mrs. Eileen Goldsmith at
Research Experience for Undergraduates
SoMAS
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000
Telephone: (631) 632-8726
FAX: (631) 632-3066
E-mail: egoldsmith@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Additional Information
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